VivirLatino

One of the biggest issues that seems to have come out of the “Latino in America” series is the question of identity. What, exactly, is a Latino? Some people were satisfied with Soledad O’Brien’s framing of “Latino,” others had real problems with it, including: there was a limited black Latino presence on the show, Puerto Ricans and Cubans were shown as oppositional to Mexicans, there was absolutely no mention of queer politics (including any mention of the huge losses that have devastated our communities) and the “boot strap” mentality (as in, pull yourself up by them) was normalized far too easily on the whole.

Regardless, I have been so excited to see a range of comments attempting to more clearly and broadly and specifically define that age old question, “What is Latino?”

The following is one of my favorite answers so far.

From the Latin Americanist:

I have my issues with CNN and many other network television news stations but felt compelled to watch their special.

Being born and raised in the United States from immigrant parents, I sometimes consider myself a “slashed American”. I do not view this term as something that breeds distrust and division but that adds to the plethora of diversity this country has long been know for and symbolizes.

My first language was Spanish. But when my family relocated to the suburbs of RI from the bustling metropolis that is NYC, I was slapped in the face with a huge culture shock. In the end I integrated well with my “American” counterparts. I learned the language, celebrated the American holidays, all the while still trying to remain true to myself.

It is a constant battle juggling both my Mexican heritage and my new found American self; trying to hold on to my family’s legacy while being pulled in the other direction to also embrace this new tradition as I continue to struggle with what it means to be an American.

Latino to me, comes from the joy I feel when I hear others converse about issues and topics relevant to me in the language I adore.

Latino to me, comes from the overwhelming sensation and urge to dance when I hear the Latin rhythm of salsa, cumbias, and merengue music.

Latino to me, comes from the overindulgences of my mother’s tamales, mole poblano, pastel de tres leches, and the plethora of tastes and flavors that make up the Latino pallet.

Latino to me, means that I am a vital part of this country, that I foster growth and tolerance and add to an ever growing diversity that make America rich and vibrant.

Latino to me is knowing that while I may be a “slashed” American I am no less than any whole person; that I am in no way deprived of any sense of self but lucky and even blessed.

It is my two distinct worlds that have shown me that I am not all that different from my Anglo brother, from my African sister, or from my Asian cousin. But has shown me that deep down we are all the same; with the same needs to love and care for one another and be accepted.. Once we find that common ground, can we truly unite to dispel this distrust and division among ourselves not only as Americans but as human beings, as a part to the overall whole.

Of course, I want to scream and yell and stomp my feet to this definition, because it encourages people in our communities to build on existing definitions, to explore outside of “nation/state” definitions, to think of lived experiences rather than corporate news.

So to this list, I would add:

Latino to me means glorious sexuality–it means Cherry Gallette, La Chica Boom, our own Mamita Mala, and so many others. It means naked and fat Virgin Guadalupes and in your face Butchlalis.

I am a queer Latina because I am Latina–I could not “come out” if I identified as white or mostly as white. I’m not really sure why that is. Being queer is being Latina to me, and vise versa, I couldn’t be one without the other.

What is “Latino” to you? What makes you–you?